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What happens when the right to choose over your own body becomes a political battlefield?

The first episode of The Right to Decide explores the fight for abortion rights in Europe. Our host Sophie in ’t Veld sits down with Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Polish MEP and long-time women’s rights defender, to explore one of the most contested issues in Europe today. From Poland’s near-total ban on abortion to France’s constitutional protection, we uncover how control over reproduction has become a test for democracy itself.

A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights

Produced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Center

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is threatening women’s rights and why?

In the second episode of The Right to Decide, we uncover the forces driving the anti-gender movement with our host Sophie in ’t Veld and our guest Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights. From fake hotlines that discourage abortion to crisis pregnancy centres spreading disinformation, we reveal how a well-organised network of religious and political actors is working to roll back decades of democratic progress.

A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights

Produced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Center

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who’s funding the rollback of women’s rights in Europe?

In the third episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks with Lucia Yar, Member of the European Parliament from Slovakia, to uncover how money fuels the anti-gender movement. From religious donors and oligarchs to EU funds being redirected toward conservative networks, we reveal how a well-organised financial strategy is reshaping Europe’s political and cultural landscape.

Sources:

• “The Next Wave: How Religious Extremism Is Regaining Power”, Neil Datta, EPF (2025)
• “MEPs demand answers over EU funding of anti-abortion charity”, Sian Norris, Open Democracy (2024)
• “EU gives anti-abortion group €400k to educate girls on reproductive health”, Sian Norris, Open Democracy (2024)

A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights

Produced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Center

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fourth episode of The Right to Decide, our host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks with Belgian Senator Celia Groothedde to explore how anti-rights actors are using money and media to influence politics, public opinion, and access to healthcare. From anti-choice clinics spreading disinformation to campaigns targeting schools and sex education, we uncover how a well-funded network is reshaping Europe’s cultural and political landscape…one narrative at a time.

A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights

Produced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Centre

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks with Nicole Moran, Gender and SRHR Advisor, about a worrying trend spreading across Europe: the decline in contraceptive use among young people. Together, they explore how stigma, fake news, and a growing mistrust in healthcare providers are shaping young people’s attitudes toward contraception. From misinformation spreading online to the absence of proper sex education in schools, we uncover why investing in education is essential to restore trust and protect young people’s right to choose.

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In the final episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks once again with Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, to look at the global picture for reproductive freedom. With the return of the Trump administration, the world is witnessing renewed attacks on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. But this episode also looks forward. Together, we explore how Europe can step up as a global leader: by defending progressive policies, investing in education and healthcare, and building international coalitions that protect the right to decide for everyone.

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